[March, Foot Races, Dance] Energetic songs and the latest hits to liven up a sports day
When it comes to sports day music, many people might think of classical pieces like ‘Orpheus in the Underworld’ (Infernal Galop from ‘Orpheus in the Underworld’).
However, in recent years, more schools have been using pop songs and anime tracks as background music in addition to the classic staples, making the selection more diverse.
In this article, we’ll introduce lively songs that perfectly match the sports day atmosphere—not only long-standing classics but also popular J-POP tunes among elementary and middle school students.
Use this as a reference for your playlist!
- [Sports Day] Songs for footraces: tracks that make kids want to run [classics & J-pop]
- [Sports Day] Entrance songs that will hype the crowd! A comprehensive roundup from classics to the latest hits
- [Sports Day] A roundup of exhilarating, fast-paced tracks perfect for relay race BGM!
- From classics to fan favorites! A catalog of music and BGM to liven up your sports day
- Top Songs to Hype Up Sports Day and Athletic Festivals [2026]
- [Dance Tracks] Perfect for School Sports Days! A Curated Selection of Fun, Popular Songs to Dance To [2026]
- [March] Carefully selected popular songs recommended for entrance and exit at sports days and athletic festivals!
- [2026] Curated J-POP to Energize Sports Days and Athletic Festivals! Also Great as Entrance Music
- Popular songs recommended for nursery school sports days! A roundup of classic crowd-pleasers and the latest hits
- Recommended exit songs for sports day: A collection of tracks that are perfect for a brisk, quick-march exit.
- Cheer songs to hype up the sports day! A collection of motivational tracks recommended for kids
- Get Fired Up! A Collection of Anime Songs to Hype Up Your Sports Day and Athletic Festival
- Perfect for sports day parachute routines! Recommended J-pop songs
[Marching, Footraces, Dance] Energetic Songs and the Newest Tracks to Liven Up Your Sports Day (121–130)
earnest desireSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER’s deeply moving masterpiece that sings about the importance of human connections is included on their album “Ongaku,” released in February 2024.
The song gently conveys how an individual’s happiness is built with the support of many people and the warmth created by a chain of smiles.
The album “Ongaku” also features several tie-in tracks, including the theme song for the film Tokyo Revengers 2 and the anthem for the 103rd National High School Rugby Tournament.
It’s the perfect song for cheering on those practicing for sports days and field days, or for reminiscing about the memories of working up a sweat with your friends.
Live in the present.Saucy Dog

Powerfully singing of youthful passion and hope, this Saucy Dog track was created as a cheer anthem for the 101st All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
Portraying growth through overcoming setbacks and hardship, bonds with teammates, and the courage to move forward while staying true to oneself, the song deeply resonates with young people navigating high school life during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Released in December 2022, it has become an indispensable fan favorite at their live shows, giving a strong push not only to soccer players but also to students working hard every day for their clubs and school events.
Kono Yubi Tomareyosugala

In this new work by yosugala, a single ray of light and a warm, empathetic singing voice strike straight to the heart.
It’s a song that conveys, with unwavering sincerity, the desire to believe in someone’s inner radiance and to support them.
Crafted as an anthem that stands beside those feeling setbacks or loneliness and gently nudges them forward, it was first performed at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA in February 2025 and released the following March, with lyrics and composition by members of the band AliA.
It will surely resonate deeply with people giving their all on their own and with students running toward their dreams.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to with your friends when you’re worn out from sports day practice, feeling nervous before the main event, or in need of a lift.
We’ve gotta do what seems impossible.Sambomasutā

A powerful anthem that gives you a push in those youthful moments.
Released by Sambomaster in February 2010, this song carries a warm message that boosts self-affirmation and the spirit to take on challenges.
Centered on themes of “not giving up,” “moving forward,” and “possibility,” it offers a gentle embrace for everyone’s anxieties and doubts while giving the courage to take a new step.
It has been featured in a Nissan commercial and as the image song for the film Cheer☆Dance, resonating with many hearts.
It’s a classic that students training for sports festivals, as well as anyone standing at a crossroads in life, should hear.
[Marching, Foot Races, and Dance] Energetic Songs and the Newest Tracks to Hype Up Your Sports Day (131–140)
Anpanman’s MarchMiki Takashi

This song, known as the opening theme for the anime Soreike! Anpanman, is so famous that virtually everyone—from small children to adults—has heard it.
As the title includes the word “March,” it’s composed in a style perfectly suited to a march, and sheet music arranged for concert band and marching band is available.
It’s a recommended piece for athlete entrances in children’s events and for entrance processions at kindergarten sports days.
SmileKamisiraishi Moka

Starting with a refreshing morning greeting, moving through fun playtime at noon, and ending with a moment of gazing at the night sky, this song brightly and breezily portrays various scenes of a day.
Released by Moka Kamishiraishi in June 2015 as the opening theme for the NHK E-TV anime “Hanakappa,” it is notable for its rhythmic, buoyant melody and lyrics sprinkled with playful wordplay.
Centered on staying positive and the importance of a smile, it carries the message of keeping a smile anywhere, anytime.
Perfect for dance time at a school sports day, this energetic number—paired with lively choreography—will naturally bring smiles to parents’ faces as well.
Curtain callYuuri

This is a song by Yuuri featuring an exhilarating, up-tempo rock melody and lyrics filled with hope as two people strive to understand each other.
It powerfully and directly sings of the protagonist’s strong resolve to keep pursuing the path they believe in, while showing empathy toward those they stand opposed to.
A rousing cheer song that gives you a push to chase dreams together with teammates at sports days and athletic festivals, it was released in July 2024 and chosen as the opening theme for Season 7, Cour 2 of the popular anime My Hero Academia.
It’s a track we especially recommend to everyone competing with friends, helping one another, and giving their all toward their goals.



